The 44-year-old player, who won 23 women's singles grand slam titles in her career, received a wildcard entry for the women's doubles event at the grass-court tournament in London, marking an end to her nearly four-year absence since the 2022 US Open.

Serena posted a video on social media, showing her walking off a practice court and seeing her phone continuously receiving notifications. "It seems everyone has heard the news", Serena said. The video's caption read: "Good news always spreads quickly".

Serena Williams during her third-round match at the 2021 Roland Garros against Danielle Collins, on Philippe Chatrier court, Paris, France on 4/6/2021. *Reuters*.

Speculation about Serena's potential comeback had intensified recently, particularly after she re-entered the professional tennis anti-doping testing program last year, a mandatory condition for official competition registration.

"The Queen's Club is the perfect place to start this new chapter", Serena added on 1/6. "Grass courts have given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career. I am eager to return to competition on one of the sport's most iconic courts."

British media reported that Serena will partner with 19-year-old Canadian talent Victoria Mboko at the tournament, which runs from 8-14/6. Wimbledon is also likely to grant Serena a wildcard. The grass-court grand slam, where she has won the women's singles title 7 times, will begin on 29/6.

Over recent months, Serena has frequently shared her training and fitness recovery process on social media. Her last appearance on the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour was at the US Open in september 2022. After a third-round defeat then, Serena announced she was "stepping away from tennis" to prioritize other aspects of her life. Many interpreted that decision as a farewell to elite sport.

Serena's comeback after nearly four years marks one of the most notable returns in modern tennis history. This also opens up the possibility of Serena reuniting with her older sister, Venus Williams, who is 15 months her senior and remains active in professional play. The sisters have jointly won 14 women's doubles grand slam titles, making them one of the most successful pairings in tennis history.

Valerie Camillo, president of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), stated that the entire women's tennis system is thrilled about Serena's return. "Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all time, with a legacy that extends far beyond the court", Camillo said. "I am eager to see her compete against the new generation of stars."

Vy Anh